MLB Network analyst Al Leiter and former MLB veteran Neil Walker will serve as the game analysts on NBC’s Pirates-Mets Opening Day game next Thursday afternoon, the network’s first MLB telecast of its new rights deal, Sports Media Watch has confirmed.
Leiter and Walker will work with play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian, who noted that he would be working with Leiter and Walker during a recent interview on MartyTime TV.
Ahmed Fareed will host pregame coverage on-site alongside analyst Adam Ottavino. Ottavino has not formally retired from baseball and recently appeared in the World Baseball Classic as a relief pitcher for Team Italy. Even so, he has compiled television experience over the last few years with ESPN, MLB Network and SNY.
Fareed has been announced as the host for “Sunday Night Leadoff” that will precede the featured prime time games. He previously hosted coverage of “MLB Sunday Leadoff” on Peacock when NBCUniversal previously held an MLB package. Fareed previously worked at MLB Network as a host/reporter where he appeared on shows such as “MLB Tonight” and “Quick Pitch.”
Vasgersian, who is a guest on an upcoming episode of the Sports Media Watch Podcast, has experience calling games nationally for several networks over the years. Less than 24 hours before the NBC broadcast, he will call the MLB Opening Night game on Netflix alongside CC Sabathia, Hunter Pence and Lauren Shehadi. Vasgersian will then take a cross-country flight from San Francisco to New York to call the Pirates-Mets opener the next day.
NBC’s MLB broadcasts will feature analysts with ties to the competing teams. Leiter formerly pitched for the Mets in parts of six MLB seasons, during which he compiled a 95-67 record with a 3.42 ERA. Walker started his career with the Pirates and played seven seasons with the team, becoming the team’s first 2B in three decades to win a Silver Slugger award.
In addition to MLB Network, Leiter has extensive broadcasting experience with YES Network, ESPN and Fox Sports. Conversely, Walker will make his national MLB broadcasting debut on next Thursday’s game. It remains unknown if either analyst will be back on NBC for any additional matchups.
Jason Benetti is calling the second game of the doubleheader Thursday as the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Analysts for the NL West showdown remain unknown, but pregame coverage will be hosted by Bob Costas, who recently returned to NBC Sports after a seven-year absence.
